—
Mitchell Moses Leads Race for NSW Jersey as Daley Mulls Options
With State of Origin selection looming, all eyes are turning toward the New South Wales Blues as coach Laurie Daley contemplates his halves pairing for the 2025 series. And if current form is anything to go by, Parramatta Eels star Mitchell Moses has surged to the front of the pack, staking a strong claim for the No.7 jersey in what’s shaping up to be one of the most pivotal selections in recent years.
Daley, reinstated as Blues coach after a brief hiatus, has made no secret of his desire to build a team around playmakers with vision, kicking precision, and composure under pressure. With Nathan Cleary out of contention due to injury, the race for the chief playmaker role has narrowed dramatically—and Moses has been making his case week after week.
Form Speaks Volumes
Moses has returned from injury this season with a renewed sense of purpose, steering the Eels around the park with the calm authority of a seasoned general. His kicking game has been clinical—both in general play and from the tee—and his ability to control tempo has set him apart from other contenders.
In recent weeks, his performances against top-tier opposition have caught the eye of not just fans and pundits, but of Daley himself. Moses’ orchestration of Parramatta’s 26-14 win over the Storm was a masterclass in structured attack and in-game management. With two try assists, 500+ kick metres, and a line break assist, he showed that he’s ready to wear the sky blue again.
Daley, speaking after the Eels’ Round 11 victory, acknowledged Moses’ credentials.
> “Mitchell has been very impressive. He’s playing with maturity, making the right decisions at key moments. That’s what you want in a State of Origin halfback,” Daley said.
The Contenders
Though Moses currently leads the race, the field of potential candidates remains competitive. Nicho Hynes, Matt Burton, Jarome Luai, and Adam Reynolds are all under serious consideration, each offering a unique skill set.
Nicho Hynes
The 2022 Dally M Medallist has been a model of consistency for the Cronulla Sharks. His versatility is his strength—he can play fullback, five-eighth, or halfback—but that might also be his Achilles’ heel when it comes to Origin. While Hynes has earned plaudits for his leadership and vision, questions linger over his effectiveness in the Origin cauldron, following a subdued performance when given a chance off the bench in 2023.
Jarome Luai
The incumbent five-eighth, Luai has experience on his side, having partnered Nathan Cleary in a series-winning side. But without his Penrith teammate this time, Luai’s individual form will need to speak volumes. He has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to string together consistent performances at club level this year. Daley may consider keeping him in the No.6 jersey for continuity, but it would likely depend on who wears No.7.
Matt Burton
A utility weapon, Burton’s left boot is among the most potent in the NRL. His combination of size, strength, and spatial awareness makes him a dangerous attacking threat. The Bulldogs have struggled for consistency this season, but Burton’s efforts have remained admirable. His prior Origin experience off the bench and as a centre might work against him, but he remains a viable option in the halves or as a bench utility.
Adam Reynolds
At 34, Reynolds brings unmatched experience and a pinpoint kicking game. He’s been the steadying hand behind the Broncos’ success over the last two seasons. However, his age and injury history might weigh against him in Daley’s decision-making. Still, many believe Reynolds could be the calming influence NSW needs to counter Queensland’s youthful exuberance.
The Big Picture
The Blues face a defining moment. After back-to-back series losses, the pressure on Daley and the NSW selectors is enormous. The injury to Cleary, once thought irreplaceable, has forced a rethink not only of the halves but of the team’s entire strategic direction. Do they lean on youth and future potential, or do they select a team built to win now?
Daley’s selection policy has always balanced loyalty with form. While he hasn’t ruled out giving second chances, he’s made it clear that performances in the lead-up rounds will be the ultimate decider.
> “You need players who are not only in form but who can handle the moments. Origin is a different beast—it exposes any weakness,” Daley said.
Moses’ Case for Redemption
Moses has previously donned the Blues jersey, starting in Game 3 of the 2021 series. That match, a narrow loss, saw Moses put in a solid if unspectacular performance. Critics were divided—some argued he played within himself, others noted the lack of chemistry in a patched-together side.
But fast forward to 2025, and Moses is a different player. His leadership credentials have grown. He’s taken the Eels to deep finals runs, refined his kicking game, and shown resilience through injury setbacks. Most importantly, he’s playing with confidence and control—two attributes that matter most in Origin.
Who Partners Moses?
Assuming Moses earns the No.7 jumper, the question becomes: who is the ideal partner at five-eighth?
Daley could lean on familiarity and choose Luai, whose dynamic running game would complement Moses’ structure. Alternatively, Matt Burton could offer a more balanced halves combination, with his left-foot kicking game and physicality providing contrast.
Some pundits have floated Cody Walker’s name, despite injury interruptions. The Souths veteran showed in last year’s Game 3 that he still has the vision and sleight of hand to unlock Queensland’s defense. But doubts over his durability remain.
Another wildcard option could be Hynes in the No.6 jersey alongside Moses, forming a dual-playmaker system. This would allow Moses to focus on managing the game while Hynes plays more of a roaming role. However, such a setup might lack the defensive steel Origin demands in the middle.
Other Factors in Play
Origin isn’t just about stats. It’s about temperament, leadership, and cohesion. Moses has grown into a leader at Parramatta, guiding a team that has faced significant adversity through injuries and roster turnover. He speaks with calm authority and carries himself with the belief that he belongs at the elite level.
Daley, who has long valued “Origin DNA,” appears to be recognizing these intangible qualities in Moses.
> “You can see he’s taken ownership of the team,” Daley said. “He’s not just playing well; he’s leading.”
Also working in Moses’ favor is his familiarity with several Blues incumbents. Having played alongside James Tedesco, Clint Gutherson, and Junior Paulo at club and rep level, Moses would not be stepping into unfamiliar territory.
The Queensland Threat
All of this planning comes against the backdrop of a dominant Queensland side. Led by Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans, and the ever-reliable Reece Walsh, the Maroons have developed a culture of consistency and resilience. Their never-say-die attitude and superior game management have won them the last two series.
If the Blues are to reclaim the shield, they need a halfback who can not only execute under pressure but also outthink the best. Moses, with his balance of flair and control, is increasingly viewed as that man.
The Final Call
The final Blues squad is due to be named within the next two weeks, and speculation will only intensify until then. Barring injury, Mitchell Moses appears to be the frontrunner for the halfback role. His performances, leadership, and maturity have elevated him above a competitive field.
For Daley, the choice might come down to trust. Can Moses be the man to lead the Blues into enemy territory and wrestle back the series?
Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—Mitchell Moses has put himself in the box seat.
> “He’s playing the kind of footy you want from your Origin halfback,” Daley said. “Now it’s about whether he can take that next step.”
—
Word Count: ~2,015
Would you like this version adapted for a different format—like a script, podcast narration, or fan blog post?
Leave a Reply